Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 738

Chapter 738: Queen Annequin

They were the neighboring Fae. The ones the Free Fae had hidden from for centuries.

Violet turned just in time to see her mates arrive, along with a handful of Fae who had slipped out of the party behind them. She watched their expressions shift in real time from curiosity to confusion, and then alertness.

None of them needed to be told, these were not guests. They were invaders.

The tension thickened instantly, and one glance at her mother confirmed she was not pleased. Queen Seraphira’s posture had gone rigid, every line of her body coiled tight with restrained fury.

"How did you get here?" Seraphira demanded.

Annequin answered calmly, as if she hadn’t just trespassed into another’s territory. "The walls are down, Queen of the Free Fae. We have been attempting to establish contact—"

"By sending your people to intrude on our land?" Seraphira cut in, her eyes blazing with suspicion.

Annequin did not raise her voice, nor bristle. Instead, she inhaled slowly, deliberately, before responding.

"I apologize for the intrusion," she said. "Astaria is vast. With the unification of the Fae courts, there are times when actions are taken before word reaches me."

She paused, then added, "But you may rest assured. I mean no harm. I came for diplomacy."

The word landed heavily.

Then she gestured subtly to the small force behind her, surrounded on all sides by Free Fae guards.

"In simpler terms," Annequin continued, "I am here in mercy."

Seraphira’s lips thinned.

"Convenient," Asher said, stepping forward, and all heads turned toward him. His voice was calm, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable. "Choosing today of all days, I’d almost say it was planned."

Annequin turned her attention to him.

She studied Asher slowly, and openly, her gaze sweeping from his face to his stance, the way he held himself, and the dominance in his posture. Something like interest shone in those eyes.

Violet didn’t even realize it until it happened but a low warning growl slipped from her throat.

Thalia was not having this.

Annequin’s eyes shifted to Violet then, and her lips curved into a smug, knowing smile. The look she gave her was condescending, if not dismissive, as if Violet were a child playing dress-up in a crown too big for her head.

"You are correct," Annequin answered. "I chose this date deliberately. The princess’s debut."

Gasps rippled through the gathered Fae. Some stepped back instinctively, their eyes darting between Violet and the armored queen.

"It was the one moment I knew I would have your kingdom’s full attention," Annequin continued, spreading her hands slightly. "And it appears I was right."

The murmurs grew louder.

Beside Violet, Griffin muttered under his breath, "There’s a spy among the Free Fae."

Roman snorted. "You don’t have to look far. My bet is on the Queen’s unhinged husband."

His gaze went toward Baron, who stood off to the side, watching the exchange with far too much interest and not nearly enough concern.

Annequin went on, unbothered. "My intentions are clean. What better time for two queens to meet than the night a princess claims her place?"

Her eyes locked on Seraphira.

"Or will you turn me away, and continue reinforcing the reputation your people have for being unwelcoming to outsiders? Because tell me, how long do you think that will last now that the walls are gone?"

Violet clenched her fists.

"Not necessarily," Asher replied flatly. "Unless you’re reckless enough to gamble. Sometimes risks pay off." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

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